PRIME Minister Gordon Brown became the first political leader to commit to the demands of the ECHO’s Manifesto for Merseyside.

Speaking at the Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant after the launch of Labour’s own manifesto, Mr Brown said he was committed to making sure all young people would be guaranteed jobs or training within six months of becoming unemployed – and that it would be compulsory.

One of the main demands of the ECHO’s own manifesto is that young people are given jobs, training and apprenticeships as a way of keeping them on the straight and narrow and away from the lure of gun and knife crime which have claimed many lives on Merseyside.

Mr Brown said: “Every young person who is unemployed for six months will have to accept a job or training.

“It’s an opportunity for every young person, but it’s also a responsibility.

“There will be no lifetime on the dole.

“If you get a skill and qualification we will help you get a job. That’s what this Government is about.”

Mr Brown, joined by wife Sarah, was at the Vauxhall plant to meet workers and its apprentices, and was given a tour of the production line before going into a closed meeting with shop stewards and union officials.

And he spoke highly of the calibre of the Labour candidates fielded on Merseyside, including Wavertree hopeful Luciana Berger and Alison McGovern, who is standing in Wirral South.

He added: “We’ve got great candidates and I’m very proud of them. This is a tough election but people are starting to see there’s a choice between a Government trying to secure recovery and a party that will put it at risk.”

The visit to the plant was Mr Brown’s second in six months. The Government gave financial support to the firm in the form of loans when the Ellesmere Port production line looked in danger of closure.

Apprentices James Crimes, 18, and 21-year-old Chris Woodward, said the General Election would be their first opportunity to vote.

Chris, of Ellesmere Port, said: “To be fair to Gordon Brown he has done well in the last 12 months, coming to the site and supporting this factory and this industry, which is great because no-one else has done it.”

James added: “When I started they were looking at closing the plant. I was relieved they stepped in with the money.”